Friends, family celebrate Columbus woman’s 100th birthday

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) - One Columbus woman will be turning 100 later this month. Sunday, she was celebrated by many friends and a few loved ones.

Dorothy Richardson believes everyone was given a beautiful body and mind at birth. She said the best thing you can do to reach her age is to take care of them both.

Richardson, who many know as Dot, will turn 100-years-young August 23.

“I think it’s one of the most marvelous things that has ever happened to me. It’s wonderful the Lord has blessed me all through the years,” said Richardson.

Richardson was surrounded by many painters, like herself, at the Phenix City Art Center to celebrate her birthday.

She’s been an artist for at least 30 years and said she’s completed hundreds of paintings.

President of the club Billy Waters said Richardson is a great artist, a special lady, and never misses a club meeting as long as the weather is nice.

“We have her art on display here and we have sold several of her pieces, and we want to sell more,” said Waters, “She is an inspiration to all of us because she’s as sharp as a tack.”

When asked what’s the hidden secret to make it to living for a century. Richardson tells her friends:

“Put God first in our lives and know Jesus is our savior...the secret of a good life, the peace that comes from them that surpasses all understanding and that’s the only way that we can get it.”

Richardson’s grandson Shane McGuigan said within seconds, you will know his grandmother is full of life.

“It’s inspiring to know that someone her age can get up, load up all her materials, and go and do this kind of thing. It’s strenuous, even for a healthy person. It takes away the excuses and it makes you where you are enthusiastic and that you can be ambitious about whatever your dream is,” said McGuigan.

It’s her faith that inspires McGuigan the most, especially after the death of her daughter and son-in-law just this year.

“She lives alone, 100-years-old lives by herself, and still drives, but because of her strong faith, she’s been able to get up everyday and go about her normal life because she knows that by faith that my mom and dad are in heaven and that she’s been able to go on with a smile on her face,” said McGuigan.